Public libraries in St. Johns County will begin a phased reopening next Tuesday, May 19, according to a Facebook post from the county government.
The announcement comes as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced in Jacksonville Friday a full Phase 1 reopening of the state. The full phase allowed for libraries and museums to be open at 50% indoor capacities, with local governments allowed to work out the details.
St. Johns County libraries will be open on 10 a.m. Tuesday for “essential services”, which includes returns, grab-and-go-service, and computer usage for up to an hour. The computers will be placed 6 feet apart.
Seating areas, meeting rooms and play areas will not be open to the public, and staff will help with material searches.
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Returned books and materials will be isolated for four days. Late returns will not accrue fines. The county said masks are “strongly recommended” when visiting the library.
Events and classes will still be offered virtually.
There has been no announcement so far on when libraries in Jacksonville will be open to the public, other than to pick up a $1,000 payment card for the city’s mortgage, rent and utility relief program at the Main Library Downtown.
Nassau County announced Thursday the library branches in Fernandina Beach, Hilliard and Callahan will be available for curbside pick-up beginning June 1. All materials will be sanitized and quarantined before they can be checked out again.
